1.1.12

resolve

Resolve 2011. It feels like it has no bearing at all on 2012. If last year was all about new things (thesis, marriage, work), this year the focus must be on getting better at those new things. It has been a long time since there was no giant goal post visible at the end of a treacherous field. My focus for the past eight years has been getting a fine arts degree, getting into grad school, getting a degree in landscape architecture, getting a job, getting married. And now those things have been got. I'm there (or here?) and can just hang out for a while. I can take my time. I have time.

Resolutions are a good thing, and writing them down makes them real. Mine are simple this year, inspired by the over-riding resolution to simplify it all, not plan life out months in advance, save some money, enjoy some down time. I have jewelry-related resolutions that include learning and making many new things. I have piles of new supplies that I brought home from Alberta that I'm excited to work with...but not yet. First the time to reflect. Reenergize. Prioritize. Sleep.

In 2012 I will read more. This used to be something that I loved and, honestly, I still do, but I get caught up in bright screens and busyness and forget that I'm in the middle of an amazing book. The best things I read in 2011?

So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell

"What we, or at any rate what I, refer to confidently as memory -- meaning a moment, a scene, a fact that has been subjected to a fixative and thereby rescued from oblivion -- is really a form of storytelling that goes on continually in the mind and often changes with the telling. Too many conflicting emotional interests are involved for life ever to be wholly acceptable, and possibly it is the work of the storyteller to rearrange things so that they conform to this end. In any case, in talking about the past we lie with every breath we draw."

It Chooses You by Miranda July sticks with me, too. I'm excited to see her new movie someday.

I will eat more salad in 2012, even when it is too cold to eat salad. Martha knows what's up.

When I think of 2011, I think I will think of this:


And as for 2012, I think it needs some time to figure itself out... Today we'll hike up a mountain with some good friends. We might go to Starbucks afterwards. No one is perfect.

3 comments:

  1. What a lovely post, in fact I am in the process of writing a similar one. Here's to 2012, may many great books stumble into your life and may your stomach be filled with wonderful salads :)

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  2. Brandi: Thank you! Your comment made me laugh. I, too, hope for great books and salads. :)

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  3. I love that photo! Look at Jeff! :)
    I watched "Me and You and Everyone We Know" awhile back and I now LOVE Miranda July. I'll have to check out "It Chooses You." I think we might watch "The Future" tonight. Excited!

    Have you seen "Beginners" ? I think Michaela suggested it and it is beautiful & perfect.

    Ok, so none of that was books. I keep saying the same thing about reading more. Other things keep getting in the way. I get too distracted. The bottom shelf of my overstuffed bookshelf is calling to me though.

    And don't even get me started on eating healthy. Ugh. The ongoing battle.

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